Ireland-Based AB Group Packaging Inc., a paper bag and flexible packaging producer, will open its first U.S. plant this summer in Newark, Delaware. The company plans to create 87 new full-time jobs.

Governor Jack Markell said the arrival of AB Group Packaging, which makes products for commercial retailers, represents a win for Delaware on two fronts.“I’m pleased that AB Group Packaging has chosen to make its in-demand products in Delaware. The kind of manufacturing jobs they create will help support long-term economic growth in a key industry,” Governor Markell said.

“With this plant, AB also joins a number of international companies that are expanding in or moving operations to our state, an important trend in today’s global economy.”

According to state officials, AB Group Packaging’s largest customer is Primark, which recently acquired several well-performing,recently shuttered Sears department stores in the Northeast. Primark’s acquisition boosted AB Group Packaging’s need for a U.S. operation.

The company has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. Five years ago, the company opened a plant in South Wales that started out with 34 employees. Today, there are 90 people working there, and AB Group Packaging projects that there will be 200 employees at the facility in three years.

Dermot Brady, CEO of AB Group Packaging, said they will not stop until they accomplish the same success in Delaware. At the Newark facility, workers will be making paper shopping bags and industrial packaging products using smart, innovative techniques and materials, offering real points of difference to the marketplace.

“Delaware is a great state with great people. Our management team was completely bowled over by the ‘can do’ attitude, fantastic training centers and support structure in place,” Brady said. “We were looking for the very best America has to offer and believe we have found it here.”

“Mr. Brady is looking for people with the right attitude and work ethic. I believe that he will find that here in Delaware,” said Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office. “Delaware boasts a well-trained, highly skilled middle class workforce that can staff this round of hiring as well as any future expansions. I believe that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between our state and this outstanding company.”